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Keep Wildlife Wild

Animals such a squirrels and scrub jays are tempting to feed, but giving food to wildlife is harmful to both humans and animals. Photo by Kurt Moses.

Feeding animals at Pinnacles National Park is not only unhealthy for park wildlife, it can also be dangerous for humans. Please avoid the temptation to feed park animals. Animals that are fed by humans may become aggressive. Each year at Pinnacles Campground, there have been injuries caused by raccoons that have become accustomed to getting handouts from campers. Other animals that can often be spotted begging are squirrels and and jays. Nocturnal animals roam the campground in the evening hours, looking for food that hasn't been stowed properly. Keep your food and all scented items in your vehicle or in the boxes provided so that raccoons and other animals can't get at them.

In campsites and at trailheads and picnic areas, squirrels will often approach people to beg for food. Squirrels can pose a serious threat to humans. They can transmit diseases such as rabies and bubonic plague, even if you don't make contact with them. If an animal approaches you, act immediately to scare it away. Keep your food and scented items within arm's reach. When you're done with them, stow them safely in your vehicle. If you're camping, keep a clean campsite, and never leave trash out at night. Each park faces different challenges with keeping human food away from wildlife. At any camping area, be sure to ask about food storage regulations when you check into your site.

If you feed wildlife, intentionally or unintentionally, you could be cited under 36 CFR 2.10(d) or 2.2(a)(2).

Human food is harmful to wildlife, and feeding park animals is dangerous to humans. Please enjoy the animals of Pinnacles from a distance.